Report of the Deputy Chief Executive and City Treasurer

This report provides an update on progress in delivery of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan in Quarter 1 2022-23 (April – June 2022)

The Committee considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and City Treasurer that provided an update on progress in delivery of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) in Quarter 1 2022-23 (April – June 2022).

Key points and themes in the report included:

·         Providing an introduction and background;

·         Describing Quarter 1 Progress against individual actions within the CCAP during the first quarter of 2022-23, with the Council’s direct carbon emissions data covering the previous quarter,   in this case, January – March 2022, due to the availability of billing and data monitoring which was drawn from billing information from the previous quarter;

·         Describing key achievements; and

·         Next steps.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·         Information was sought on the approach to decarbonising Council owned buildings that had been leased to community groups;

·         What type of projects had been proposed to the UK Cities Climate Investment Commission;

·         Noting the recent heatwave and the importance of foliage cover and shade provided by trees, what was the policy for ensuring trees were suitable maintained during periods of extreme weather events;

·         An update was sought on the plans to deliver Large Scale Renewable Energy Generation;

·         Welcoming the appointment of a Sustainability Project Manager to deliver the Council's commitment to be Single Use Plastic Free by 2024;

·         Recognising and welcoming the Staff Travel Policy that was referred to in the report, and asking if it was appropriate to offer free city centre parking for Councillors;

·         An explanation was sought as to the reasons for the reported flight to Ireland; and

·         Why had some Councillors still not completed the Carbon Literacy Training.

The Strategic Lead, Resources & Programmes advised that there were a range of projects submitted to UK Cities Climate Investment Commission that reflected and supported the range of activities described withing the action plan, these included, but not restricted to retrofitting and energy generation. He stated that the plans to deliver Large Scale Renewable Energy Generation were still ongoing and viable options were being considered, and an update would be provided to the Committee at an appropriate time.

The Strategic Lead Policy and Parentships advised the Committee that he would enquire with the Corporate Property Team on the approach to the retrofitting of those Council owned properties leased to community groups and a briefing note would be circulated to the Committee.

The Deputy Chief Executive and City Treasurer paid tribute to all of the team involved in delivering the Climate Change Action Plan, advising that this work had been recognised nationally as an example of good practice. The Chair on behalf of the Committee supported this acknowledgement and appreciation of all staff involved in this important area of work.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport welcomed the ongoing support and challenge of the Committee on this important area of work. She advised that a note would be provided following the meeting that described the approach to maintaining tree’s during periods of extreme weather events, noting her appreciation to those residents who had watered trees during the recent heatwave.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport advised that all Councillors, like every resident needed to take personal responsibility for their travel choices and stated that individual circumstances needed to be considered, and it would be inappropriate for her to comment any further. She advised that Councillor Foley, Deputy Executive Member for Environment and Transport would be looking into Councillor take up of the Carbon Literacy Training to understand any barriers experienced so that these could be addressed with a view to maximising take up of this training. With regard to the reported flight to Ireland an explanation was provided, however recognising the need for the reporting of context was required in future updates if this occurred again.

Decision

To note the report.